Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order and I remember

back, but when I listen, there is a faint clatter of

on an elbow, I take a good look at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has since we returned from the

Her father…

Christ…

sallow hue, and her cheeks are brushed with the palest of

Babe…

stroke over the line of high cheekbones with a fingertip. Her

Charlotte… my Charlotte…there. Not the stranger who looked out at me for the

touch me,

her face,

are soft and watery. “I’m fine.

curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling over. Only in not standing up again.” I replace

dropping her gaze, she bobs her

than that if you really want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening. “Do you? That’s still what you want? To

voice is a whisper. “Is that

what I said when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as I know. I’ll help

my lips across hers. Her hand curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck and

We both did.” I pull away, holding her gaze. “But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes,

creases. “You

not in it with us? He might be my

disappoint you there.” James holds a tray. The scents of toast and coffee compete

flare and she sits bolt upright.

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago